MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Membership of the Institute, and acceptance into the appropriate grade of membership, is reserved to those working, (or who until retirement have worked), or studying wholly or substantially in Horticulture, or in a branch of Science or Arts directly linked with Horticulture. Admission into the classes of membership is based on a combination of horticultural experience and qualifications.

Membership Grades & Qualifications Required

Fellowship
is granted to a nominated Member who is accepted by the Institute's Council as having reached a high standard of distinction, either academically, or by accomplishment, in the practice of Horticulture, or in a related branch of Science or Arts. Council may require an initial period of Membership of the Institute before election to Fellowship.

Fellows are entitled to the letters designate FI Hort and have the right to vote at General Meetings and to hold any office in the Institute.

Membership
is granted to those who have worked or studied as a Horticulturist for at least seven years and achieved either :

MHort (RHS) with at least 2 years' post-study experience; A University Degree in Horticulture, or a highly relevant subject with at least 2 years' post-study experience; a University Degree in a marginally relevant or non-relevant subject with at least 5 years' post-study horticultural experience; A Botanic Gardens Diploma at Credit Level followed by at least 3 years' post-study experience or a Wisley Diploma (pre 1970); HND (Hort) followed by at least 3 years' post-study experience; NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Commercial & Amenity Horticulture.

Experience with relevant responsibility in excess of five years having obtained one of the following qualifications : ND or sufficient SCOTVEC modules (as for Associate Membership) or a three-year Diploma in Amenity or Commercial Horticulture from an Irish College; the ILAM Diploma.

Membership may also be granted to horticulturists who have achieved a high level of distinction in their particular field but do not have any of the above qualifications. Full references from existing Members of the Institute must accompany any such applications.

Members are entitled to the letters designate MI Hort and have the right to vote at General Meetings and to hold any office in the Institute

Associate membership
is granted to those with one of the following qualifications:

MHort (RHS); a University Degree in Horticulture or a highly relevant subject; the Wisley Diploma (pre 1970); a Botanic Gardens Diploma; the Higher National Diploma - but not having yet obtained the necessary post-study experience for admission to Corporate Membership;

The National Diploma (ND) or sufficient SCOTVEC approved modules within horticulture and related subjects to have gained a College based Diploma in Horticulture with Credit or Distinction as validated by the Royal Highland Society. NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Amenity or Commercial Horticulture.

M Hort Stage 1 (now incorporated into RHS Diploma); City and Guilds Phase III or IV; Cityand Guilds Phase I or II (or 1 year Certificate in Horticultural Skills from an Irish College) or the National Certificate in Horticulture (NCH) but with considerable industry experience; The Advanced National Certificate in Horticulture (ANCH);

Associate membership may also be granted to persons who have gained considerable (normally at least ten years') horticultural experience at a suitable level but may have no horticultural qualifications. Full references must be supplied with any such applications.

Associates are entitled to the letters designate AI Hort. They may take part in all Institute affairs, vote at Branch meetings and be members of committees in accordance with the Bye-laws.

Affiliate Membership
is granted to those whose main occupation or involvement is in horticulture, hold NVQ Level 2 or who are working towards any approved qualification or part qualification or have been a Student Member for the maximum period but are not yet deemed eligible to become an Associate or Corporate Member of the Institute. Affiliates may progress to Associate membership after five years provided they have continued to gain in experience and/or study.

Affiliates may describe themselves as such but are not entitled to the use of any letters designate. They are able to take part in all Institute affairs, vote at Branch meetings and be members of committees in accordance with the Bye-laws.

Group members
may be organisations or companies who are employers of a person or persons undertaking the practice of Horticulture or a branch of Science or Arts having a direct bearing on Horticulture who wish to promote the objects of the Institute. A Group member may nominate up to three representatives to receive Institute publications and attend all Institute events but not vote at any meeting of the Institute.

Student membership
is open to all those either on a course of education which will enable them to qualify for Associate membership or Corporate Membership in due course. On the completion of the required elements or after five years as a Student member, they will progress to Affiliate membership or such other category as is appropriate.

Student members receive all Institute publications. They may, and are encouraged to, take part in all Institute affairs. Reduced rate charges (or no charge) for events are made for them whenever possible. They may vote at Branch meetings and be members of committees in accordance with the Bye-laws.

Student Group Membership
Students at any one educational or training establishment may form themselves into an Institute of Horticulture Student Group and nominate one representative to receive joint copies of all circulated publications and notices of meetings and be responsible for the payment of the Student Group subscription. There is no restriction on the size of the Student Group. All members of the Student Group may, and are encouraged to, take part in all Institute affairs. Reduced rate charges (or no charge) for events are made for them whenever possible.

Free membership for a year
is given to winners of Institute of Horticulture Prizes awarded at a number of horticultural colleges, to national finalists of the Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition and to holders of the North of England Horticultural Society Bursaries.